Likelihood of drafting defensive line. . . whatcha think?

[Requiem]

Just curious to see what the odds of Denver drafting defensive line in this draft are. . . in your opinions.

I just got done e-mailing Mr. Williamson about the line (he's had some good insight on his mailbag) and I hope to get a response soon.

He had said that the Broncos LOVE Michael Myers and will re-sign him in the off-season.

The Broncos already extended Veal's contract.

And he said although Warren was given big money, he's done his job of plugging up two guys effectively.

So, I am wondering what you think our chances of drafting defensive line is.

I think Veal and Myers have played well this year; but we should definitely add another guy who can play the one tech and rush the QB; it doesn't seem like Myers and Veal are that great at it.

Even though Ekuban, Lang and Dumervil have 6.5/7 sacks each; we don't have the consistency we'd like from the position.

Four first-day picks with the possibility of more.

Will we draft defensive line, or are Denver fans just setting themselves up with false hope for about the fourth year in a row?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I have been whining that the Broncs need a dominate DL since Rulon Jones retired but the rules are stacked against the defense. I expect this draft to fill a couple of holes on offense. These days you have to have three starting caliber receivers like Indy, Bengals, Cards, etc. Rod is one of the best ever, but next year is likely his last. Need to have the guy ready to step in and be the third guy with Marshall and Walker. Kircus is a perfect number 4. Can fill all three WR spots and backup the returner. Need consistency in the running game. Tatum's big runs are nice, but there are too many plays when he doesn't make the right cut, misses a block, drops a pass, etc. Love Mike Bell's effort, but he is really just Olandis Gary. Cobbs and Nash are obviously not the answer or they would not have been in street clothes most of the season. Another RB will be added early.

Two of the least expensive positions in FA are Safety and TE. Sign Daniel Graham and the best safety on the market. Graham is young and would be the perfect compliment to Scheffler. A FA safety would shore up that position for at least another year.

Spend the other two first day picks on the DL. An OT is possible, but if Lepsis is able to come back that position is OK. I really believe there is more to the story with Foster than lack of effort and Pears and Meadows are there to pick up the slack.

[Requiem]

I've been more open to us looking for a back early; and hopefully some underclassmen declare (Pittman did) so that the value can change to make this class a little better there. This year is not the best year to be looking for a back; but is good for offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver (if juniors declare) and safety. Needs for us.

[youcandoit1687]

depends...i would have liekd to see us draft allan branch but with where we will be drafting that is very unrealistic. the problem with our DLine is the lack of push that we get in pass rush. looking at tape, there is a 5 yard gap between our DEs up the field and our DTs still at the line of scrimmage. it gives the quarterback a huge window to throw or run.

i still see DLine as a top priority but we also need to address Safety(adam archuleta may have something left in the tank and in all likelihood will be cut) and maybe TE. OT, that will depend on lepsis' progress as well as our trust in meadows and the coaches' evaluation of erik pears.

[Clockwork Orange]

If they're going to, this is the year to do it. There are several DE's & DT's with high grades, so there are going to be some there when the Broncos are on the clock.

I'm all for the BPA at DE, DT, S or RB.

[Requiem]

I got the reply back from Williamson and he said that we should expect the Broncos to bring in a defensive end. Really no mention of a tackle; probably because he expects us to re-sign Myers and that the extension of Veal and Warren's contract last year were our focus on that area.

[WABronco]

I got the reply back from Williamson and he said that we should expect the Broncos to bring in a defensive end. Really no mention of a tackle; probably because he expects us to re-sign Myers and that the extension of Veal and Warren's contract last year were our focus on that area.

...fine by me.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Way, way too early to speculate. I guarantee two of the positions that people think right now need to be addressed early in the draft will be filled through FA. DL might be one of the positions addressed that way. However, this draft appears to be pretty deep with D-Lineman, I hope Shanny doesn't pass a couple up.

[youcandoit1687]

ugh myers and veal are okay but we would benefit greatly by bringing in a defensive tackle that can just push upfield, hell even if he gets trapped we have the speed at LB to fill his gap. im tired of seeing our DEs way upfield on third downs and no rush coming from the middle of the field. theyre ok in rush defense because, once again, our LBs cover for them a alot inside and our DEs have the speed to contain the outside. i really am happy with our DEs, their rush may not be entirely consistent but they would be aided tremendously by a rush from the middle.

[lookin' glass]

With a few exceptions -Cardinals- from the moment the ball is snapped opposing offensive lines are dictating the pocket in pass protection and more and more walling off in run blocking against Denver. Opposing offenses are simply not being disrupted.
It seems to me Denver's run or pass blocking is being treated the same way by opposing defenses, they are running through or around the OL. Defenses are dictating the pocket. San Diego is so powerful up front their DBs and Donnie Edwards are clogging up the passing lanes because they know the pressure is going to disrupt offenses.

[NFLBRONCO]

Just curious to see what the odds of Denver drafting defensive line in this draft are. . . in your opinions.

I just got done e-mailing Mr. Williamson about the line (he's had some good insight on his mailbag) and I hope to get a response soon.

He had said that the Broncos LOVE Michael Myers and will re-sign him in the off-season.

The Broncos already extended Veal's contract.

And he said although Warren was given big money, he's done his job of plugging up two guys effectively.

So, I am wondering what you think our chances of drafting defensive line is.

I think Veal and Myers have played well this year; but we should definitely add another guy who can play the one tech and rush the QB; it doesn't seem like Myers and Veal are that great at it.

Even though Ekuban, Lang and Dumervil have 6.5/7 sacks each; we don't have the consistency we'd like from the position.

Four first-day picks with the possibility of more.

Will we draft defensive line, or are Denver fans just setting themselves up with false hope for about the fourth year in a row?


I think we need 3 new DL this offseason in FA and draft. I'm not expecting Denver to add more then 1 new DL this year.

[youcandoit1687]

id be interested in kevin curtis in FA. i think he can return. i woudl love for us to address our DLine issues mostly in FA, like a starting DE/DT and a pro bowl DE/DT as well as a cheap safety like archuleta or michael lewis. that would allow us to draft for potential or trade around for next year in hopes of making a push for somebody next year. in shanahan i trust and so should you.

[mattob14]

I don't see a DL in the first, but there's just too much talent there this year not to grab someone first day. Okoye and Crowder would be nice pick-ups in the second. My preference would be a DT, but I wouldn't mind a LE either.